1. Thou Hast Been A Refuge Psalm 61:1-8

2. Reaction To Problems Varies from one person to another –David: “Down but not out” –Some offer excuses for their behavior Need help –Look to God –Consider David’s method

3. David’s Method Prayed (v. 2) –Our Father cares as do earthly fathers –Jesus prayed (Matthew 26:44; Hebrews 5:7) –Prayer brings victory (James 1:2) –Cast our care on Him (1 Peter 5:7)

4. David’s Method Expected help (v. 3) –Helped in the past –Help against Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37) –Unexpected answer (2 Corinthians 12:8-10; Hebrews 5:7)

5. David’s Method Trusted God (v. 4) –Faith necessary (Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 11:6) –Trust as we trusted our earthly fathers (Matthew 4:4) –We will be tested

6. Proper Concept of God Higher rock (v. 2) –Cried out as he was sinking (Matthew 14:30, 31) –Remember the little boy prayer that nothing happen to God… we’re all sunk” –Humanists must not succeed in making us forget there is a “higher rock”

7. Proper Concept of God Shelter (v. 3) –Protection from harm –“Rock of Ages”

8. Proper Concept of God Strong tower (v. 3) –Need for someone strong at times –God is a fortress (Philippians 4:13) –Without this concept we are no better off than the atheist

9. Praised God His goodness in the past (vv. 5, 6) –Hears the righteous (1 Peter 3:12) –Confident that He would hear him

10. Praised God Preserved through mercy (v. 7) –Where would man be without God’s mercy? (Palm 40:1-3, 11) –Righteous will triumph (Psalms 1:5; 73:17-20, 27)

11. Praised God Going to keep his vows (v. 8) –God’s deliverance was no small thing to him –Faithfulness is a small price to pay for God’s goodness –Should be anxious to tell others (Psalm 66:16-20)

12. Conclusion We need God (Psalm 46:1) Others will fail us